The Ohio State Buckeyes squeaked out a victory over the Florida Gators during their second game of the season in a match-up of two teams ranked in the top ten, but Thad Matta's team has a task that should be a bit less difficult on Friday night. The men's basketball program will play the Jackson State Tigers in a game that tips off at 9 p.m. on the Big Ten Network as the Buckeyes look to improve to 3-0 on the season.

The Buckeyes have been led through their first couple of games by the familiar faces from last year's squad. Sophomore big man Jared Sullinger is averaging 17.5 points and 7.5 rebounds while shooting 53 percent from the field. Senior guard William Buford upped his scoring average to 17 points per night himself thanks to the 21 points he put against the Gators on Tuesday.

Jackson State isn't off to quite as solid of a start, having dropped games to the Gators and Baylor Bears -- both ranked in the top 15 -- to open the season before losing to Wright State on Wednesday night. Senior guard Jenirro Bush is averaging 14.7 points to lead the Tigers, but the 6-foot-8 match-up problem could definitely improve those numbers if he was able to shoot better than the 33 percent from the field he's currently shooting.

The Buckeyes will be off the rest of the weekend with a match-up against North Florida on Monday night being next on the schedule.

For a more in-depth preview of the game, be sure to visit Along The Olentagy.